Colobus guereza with the long white fringes of hair along its back and tail

Colobus guereza scampering through the limbs

Sykes' monkey also known as the white-throated monkey

Leopard Tortoise

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As Soysambu Conservancy is mostly savannah and Acacia woodland, the area is dominated by grazing animals with zebra and buffalo being the biggest contributor to the biomass (after cattle). Three mammal species of conservation concern inhabit the Estate. These include the Rothschild’s giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis ssp. Rothschildi) , Leopard (Panthera pardus), and Colobus guereza monkey. The Estate is home to a population of around 90 Rothschild’s Giraffe, thus responsible for more than 10% of the world’s remaining wild population of this endangered species. The Rothschild’s Giraffe is threatened by hybridisation (interbreeding) with other giraffe subspecies.

In addition, you will be able to observe Waterbuck, Thompson’s Gazelle, Grant’s Gazelle and Impala grazing among the Acacia. Eland are the world’s largest antelope and are incredible to watch as they walk through tall grasses with ease and bask in the sun near the shore. Bush-buck and Reedbuck are a shy, yet wonderful sight to see. Pairs of Dik Dik often stand to watch as you approach and then scamper into the undergrowth. Duiker, however, are harder to spot as they are often hidden deep in the undergrowth.

Ververt, Colobus and Sykes monkeys can be heard chattering and can often be seen in the wooded areas, playing and feeding happily in the trees. Olive Baboons are often on the ground and troupes can be seen walking in lines as they head home to roost each evening.

On a cool afternoon you may come across a Hyena with an ungainly gait as it lollops across the plains or even a Jackal or Bat-eared Fox which may possibly be breeding. Warthogs, in their family units, are common and can provide much entertainment if caught wallowing at a waterhole.

A night drive is a special experience if you can spot an Aardvark, an African Spring Hare (jack rabbit) or even a Leopard. Hares are common sightings; if you are lucky, you might catch a Civet or Serval hunting these rabbit-like creatures. Genet can sometimes be seen running up a tree as they are caught in your headlights and mongooses will stand frozen momentarily before they disappear into the darkness. Porcupines can also sometimes be seen, a mass of black and white quills that shiver in the moonlight.